With overdoses on the rise in Prince Albert, police want people to know what one looks like
Saskatoon recorded high overdose rates earlier this month. Now Prince Albert is facing the same threat
Prince Albert police are warning the public about potentially fatal fentanyl circulating in the city.
Police said in a release Saturday that they are currently investigating multiple overdoses involving fentanyl that took place late Friday and Saturday.
In recent weeks, Saskatoon has also been reporting high overdose rates with a higher risk of death. At the beginning of March, the city recorded 37 overdoses in just 24 hours.
Those numbers have been high enough to prompt the province to open an emergency operations centre.
Prairie Harm reduction confirmed to CBC that drugs in Saskatoon with dangerous levels of fentanyl are being blamed for a higher risk of overdoses and deaths.
Recognizing the signs of an overdose
As more overdoses occur, Prince Albert Police are urging people to familiarize themselves with the signs of an overdose.
Some of the signs of an overdose include:
- Difficulty walking, talking or staying awake.
- Blue, purple or grey lips or nails.
- Very small pupils.
- Cold and clammy skin.
- Dizziness and confusion.
- Extreme drowsiness.
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds.
- Slow, weak or no breathing.
Police also want to remind people about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which serves to provide some legal protection for those who experience or witness an overdose and seek emergency help.
Police are urging people to call 911 if they suspect someone has experienced an overdose.
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